Has anyone had business dealings with Century Jet Models that they would share with me?
Good or bad?
If bad, could you reply privately?
I just had an experience with them that didn't leave me totally pleased, but I don't want to make a big deal until I get more information.

Doug Wheeler
[email protected]

I have dealt with CJM several times. The only thing I could say against them is that they don't let you know that a part is backordered, so that you may unexpectedly be in for a wait of a few months for some items.

Other than that, and a couple of leaky digital airgauges, I have been pretty happy with my dealings with CJM.

Gordon

I spent $200 for a set of CJM retracts for my Top-Flite Corsair. The fill valve leaked like a sieve - it had to be replaced. The oleo legs were held together with a blind rivet that did not look long for this world. The way the retracted rotated but a lot of wear on the body. The control valve looked and had to be replaced.

All things considered, I would probably not purchase from them again. I certainly do not feel like I got my money's worth.

I was not happy with my CJM struts. That pop rivet thing leads to an awful lot of slop. On the other hand, they were very good about making up custom work and getting the specs right and working with me in that respect.
The retracts themselves are fine. I have not used any of their fill valves and air switches.
I do have four of their digital gauges. You should have gotten an instruction sheet with them that told about how the nipple needs to be sealed around the base with CA to prevent leaks before installation. They are (obviously) an industrial part, and not made for the stresses we put on them. I also don't like that they read in bars instead of PSI. If anybody wants to trade for some sierra analogue gauges, let me know...
Don't confuse their retracts with their new kits, which are really nice.

Doug,

The stator parts that were missing from Trim Aircraft were in a sealed box. I'll send you replacement parts on Monday and contact them for the missing items.

Sorry for their screw up.

Bruce Sanders

Thanks to everyone who responded to my post on Century Jets.
Bruce from their sales department contacted me this weekend! and I think the problem is resolved. Most of the negative comments I received were old news. They presently seem to care about their customers and reputation.

Thanks again,

rcdoug

"Most of the negative comments I received were old news. They presently seem to care about their customers and reputation.
"

That's funny. I bought the struts last month. They must have had an incredible turnaround in 30 days

You will notice I started the sentence with "MOST".
Also, I'm not saying that this is the case, but just changing one person or his position in the company can make a huge difference in your operations. Possibly this is what happened. Only takes one day.

Thanks again for the input.

Doug

I recently ordered custom retracts from CJM, Bruce was very helpful and got the design just right and fast. Although I did not use the included air valve I had my own adjustable one. I pumped up my retracts to 100 psi, 2 days later I hit the switch and they worked, 7 cycles! no leaks here. The price was excellent for a complete custom system. I will order from them again.

I did notice without air pressure in the system it is possible for the gear to come unlocked and collapse, so I made some wood blocks to hold the gear in the locked position when working on the model without pressure in the system.

I am currently trying to get a cockpit from them that I've already paid $225 for. I called early last week and Bruce said he would ship it overnight and give me $10 credit. So far I've received nothing and my emails are ignored. Doesn't sound like old news to me!

Larry

Guys,

I can tell you that Bruce and the guys that work for him are standup and honest. He will try his best to make things right for you if you are not happy. Their biggest problem is trying to satisfy too many objectives at the same time; Bruce always has several ideas working. It's a relatively small operation with many projects working simultaneously. Give them a chance and I expect you will be satisfied, either with the product or a refund.

Tom

I am not going to go into details, but I was extremely dissapointed with my CJM retracts and the total lack of service or reply, even to having to contact my credit card company to get a refund. But hey, I can always include that in the magazine article I am writing!

My CJM retracts were exactly as I expected, haven't flown them yet, but look to be very rugged (but not light!), always been able to talk to Bruce on the phone, and he has given me all and more than I've asked for. YMMV.

Bob

Ordered some small parts for their HE-162 via email and had no problems. Second order I made with them by phone I got alot of free advice on how to set up the plane and Bruce's experiences with it.

I have always had great response in all my dealings with Bruce. Only time I have had delays was if Bruce happened to be away from the place. Yes he does have a real job, kinda like us!!
So there are times when he is not there to be right on top of every thing. Give him a chance, I know he wants to have everyone happy with CJM. OK, sometimes he needs to get a reminder.
Regards, Roger Shook